10 Myths About Black Hair Growth

Myth 1: Cutting hair makes it grow faster.

Hair is dead. Otherwise, it would hurt when you cut it. There is nothing you can do to your hair strands that will make them grow faster. Cutting the hair does however make it appear healthier since damaged ends are being removed. Cutting damaged ends is also beneficial to growth because split or fibrillated ends will negate hair growth. While getting a cut twice a year will improve the overall look of your hair, it does not make it grow faster.

Myth 2: Black hair is stronger than other hair types.

The internal structure of black hair actually makes is more susceptible to breakage than other hair types. Chemically treatments in the form of relaxers or permanent hair color adds to the possibility of breakage. Using products to hydrate and strengthen your hair such as Hairfinity Balanced Moisture Conditioner and Hairfinity Strengthening Amino Masque will help rebuild the hair structure and minimize breakage. Using an oil infused with essential oils such as Hairfinity Nourishing Botanical Oil will help restore elasticity and strength while sealing in moisture.

Myth 3: Brushing your hair makes it grow faster.

Brushing your hair excessively can actually lead to breakage, especially when hair is relaxed.

Myth 4: Greasing your scalp is good for moisture.

If you have noticed that your hair is dry even though you are using a variety of “moisture” products on it, it’s because “grease”, oils, and other moisturizing products that contain petrolatum, lanolin, and mineral oil do not moisturize your hair effectively. Instead of moisturizing, they actually seal moisture in or out of your hair. These types of products should only be used to seal the hair and add shine. Water based moisturizers such as Hairfinity Revitalizing Leave-In Conditioner effectively penetrate and moisturize the hair. Try applying your oil after using a water based moisturizer to combat dryness.

Myth 5: Prenatal vitamins make hair grow longer.

Many women experience very good hair growth during their pregnancies and attribute this growth to hair vitamins. In fact, the hormone estrogen, which is present in larger amounts during pregnancy, locks the hair into the growth phase. This allows hair to grow much longer than it normally would. However, once the baby is delivered, the hairs will start to enter the shedding phase. At this point, many women experience extreme shedding and hair loss. Eventually the hairs will get back into their normal growth pattern and the hair will return to normal. Use of birth control pills can also have this effect. Learn more about Prenatal Vitamins and Hair Growth. Vitamins can help hair grow healthier if they contain the right ingredients. A good hair vitamin such as Hairfinity Healthy Hair Vitamins should contain nutrients such Hydrolyzed Collagen for strengthening amino acids, MSM for vitality, and hair boosting Horsetail and Silica. Also, it should contain other hair specific nutrients such as Niacin, Pantothenic Acid, and Biotin.

Myth 6: Relaxing your hair makes it grow faster.

Natural hair has a curly pattern, when the hair is stretched it may appear longer, but in fact it is not. This is what happens when hair is relaxed as well. The hair is stretched out to its maximum, like stretching a rubberband. However, this leads to reduced elasticity, which is the hair’s natural ability to go back to its original shape without breaking. Hair that lacks elasticity is very susceptible to breakage.

Myth 7: Black hair grows slowly.

Hair grows at an average rate of ½ inch per month. Black hair can sometimes grow a bit slower than this, but not much. Actually, the natural curly pattern of black hair can make it seem to grow more slowly because it is not stretched. Also, use of relaxers and other products can cause breakage. If breakage is equal to growth, hair will seem as if it is not growing at all. If your hair doesn’t seem to be growing, let us get to the “Root” of your hair problems with a Microscopic Hair Analysis. We will analyze your hair in our lab and provide you with a customized plan designed to give your hair exactly what it needs.

Myth 8: Black Hair will not grow long.

Myth 9: Heat makes your hair grow faster.

Heat styling can actually damage your hair, especially if done too often and at excessive temperatures. When you straighten your hair with heat, you are temporarily altering the protein bonds in your hair and weakening it. A good thermal protectant should always be used when heat styling.

Myth 10: Going to the salon every week will make your hair grow long.

Your hair will grow long if you properly care for it. This means using protein and moisture treatments, using water based moisturizers correctly, limiting the use of heat, and treating your hair like a delicate flower. If your beautician is using the appropriate treatments each week, this is only part of the equation. You still must do your part for daily care. Keep in mind, however, that all beauticians are not created equal. Finding a good one is like finding a good doctor, or a good bra. Need a new hair care regimen? Get a FREE Custom Hair Plan designed for your specific needs.

In order to achieve the longest hair possible, you need to do the following:

Stop Hair Breakage – By following the hair care techniques in Secrets for Faster Hair Growth, you can minimize your hair breakage and allow your hair to reach its maximum growth potential.

Address Any Other Problems that May Limit Growth – Using specific types of products as part of a hair care regimen can help reduce breakage and increase your hair length.

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